Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Maneki Neko


This weekend I was gifted with something I've always always always wanted: A Maneki Neko, or beckoning cat. Westerners tend to think the kitty is waving, but it's actually beckoning, and usually you'll see these kitties somewhere in Japanese business establishments (usually near the entrance), and they are believed to bring good luck to the owner. A raised right paw is believed to attract money, and the raised left paw is thought to attract customers.
My kitty has a little solar cell and the head rocks back and forth as the right arm beckons. It's very very cute, and I got the pick of the litter. :P
These good luck kitties date from the Edo period, namely 1603 - 1868, and there's some interesting stuff about them over on Wikipedia.
This is one feline I know will get along well with the pups, and think of all the money I'll save on kitty litter. Bow wow! Miaow!

9 comments:

g bro said...

Hens the term, "Hello, Kitty"?

g bro said...

"Hens" = "Hence". Not awake yet.

Christina RN LMT said...

*purrrrrrrrr*

Ambulance Driver said...

Wow, they had solar cells as far back as 1603-1868?

Who knew? *grin*

Old NFO said...

Too bad I didn't know you wanted one, I could have brought back a "real" one... :-)

phlegmfatale said...

g bro - no worries- your comment didn't ring fowl. Yeah, makes sense, Hello Kitty. :)

Christina - I'm purring!

Ambulance Driver - *nodding vigorously* Yuppers. Go figure!

Old NFO - You were very generous to bring the goodies you brought to the party, and frankly, I was so pleased we had your coffee to serve, as were many other guests. :)

Old NFO said...

You're welcome Phlegmmy :-)

Mauser*Girl said...

Cool find. :)

We have a golden one that doubles as a coin bank, and it sits on our book case, facing the door. They're supposed to face the window or door, aren't they?

phlegmfatale said...

Old NFO - :)

Mauser*Girl - Yeah, you are right - facing the door. :)